Hampton University
Delaware State
James’ sharp shooting lifts Lady Pirates past Delaware State in overtime bout
2.17.07 | Women's Basketball
HAMPTON, Va. – The Hampton University Lady Pirates (12-11, 8-6) found themselves in their third overtime game of the season on Saturday night, however this time the outcome was different for the Lady Pirates as they used a late charge to overcome the Delaware State 61-57 at the Convocation Center.
Artavia Burns (Dallas, Texas/ Lincoln HS) nailed a lay-up with .27 left in regulation to send the game into overtime. Rachel Butler (Dallas, Texas/ Lincoln HS) and Jade Jones (St. Croix, U.S.V.I./ Good Hope HS) hit two free throws early in the third period to give the Lady Pirates their first lead (55-53) since 19:52 in the first half. Ashlee Finley (Harrisburg, Pa./Harrisburg HS) added to the HU advantage with a driving lay-up through traffic but Katreem Palmer answered with a quick jumper on the other end to cut the blue and white lead to just two. Next, the Pirates went up by three, following a Butler free-throw. Nevertheless, Finley fouled Palmer on the inbounds pass, with Palmer making one foul shot to the lead to 58-56. Finley made up for the foul with a lay-up to put the Pirates ahead for good as HU completed its season sweep of the Hornets.
Delaware State (13-12, 8-6 MEAC), which had led by as many as 13 points at the beginning of the second half saw its lead begin to disintegrate courtesy of the sharp shooting of guard Stephanie James Colorado Springs, Colo./ Sierra HS). James who started her first game since Jan. 13 connected three straight three-pointers in a two minute span to cut the Hornet lead to four with 16:57 ticks left. Nevertheless, DSU responded with a 10-2 run as their lead rocketed to 12 (41-29) at the 12:43 mark.
Hampton responded by turning up the defense pressure to force four significant turnovers that resulted in valuable points for the Lady Pirates to tie the game 45 all at 4:28. The Hornets answered with a 5-1 run to lead 50-46 with 3:09 left. However the blue and white had plenty of fight left as they ended the second by scoring three unanswered points to send the contest into overtime.
James led all scorers with 16 points going 4-for-8 from three-point land and Butler added 10 points and a game high eight rebounds.
Raquel Collier led three Lady Hornets in double figures with 15 points and six rebounds.
The Lady Pirates will return to the court on Feb. 21 to host the Norfolk State Lady Spartans at 6 p.m. at the HU Convocation Center.
